“Building a family is exciting, but the stress that results from infertility treatment can take a toll on couples,” he says. “Most of my patients don’t even realize they have underlying low-level anxiety problems, which can be easily helped through a variety of options.”

Natural treatment options can come in many forms:

Acupuncture

Not only is acupuncture known to increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, it can also thicken uterine lining. Acupuncture can also decrease pelvic pain and provide relief from bloating. For those who become pregnant, acupuncture can lessen symptoms of nausea. Relaxation and normalization of stress hormones are also proven benefits of acupuncture.

Chinese Diet Therapy

Changing the diet can boost energy and wellbeing, and also help cut down extra weight. Research shows that a 5% decrease in weight loss for those who are overweight can help regulate menstrual cycles, aid in ovulation, and decrease the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy. Chinese Dietary Therapy includes the use of a variety of new inclusions in dietary patterns as well as the elimination of some foods that are more prevalent in Western diets. Among the additions might be herbal teas and non-processed fruits and vegetables. The exclusions are foods like refined sugar and flour as well as highly processed foods or foods with high sodium content.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

While patients are never given herbal supplements leading up to or during an IVF cycle, these supplements can lessen the stress and symptoms associated with fertility treatment. Herbalists conduct a comprehensive exam then prescribe a formula. Herbalists consider 400 herbs that can come in the form of flowers, roots, or berries, when prescribing a formula. Formulas can come in the form of a tea, pills, tincture, granules or topical solutions such as lotions and poultices.

Meditation & Breathing Techniques

Utilizing calming breathing techniques calms down the sympathetic nervous system and increases blood flow to the uterus. Even small amounts of meditation, such as 10 minutes per day, gives the mind space and provides clarity, calm, and mindfulness.

Massage

Tui Na massage dates back 4,700 years, making it the forefather of all forms of massage and body work that exist today. Unlike other forms of massage, Tui Na treats specific internal illnesses, making it the most effective form of massage for infertility.

Yoga

Taking time to build a yoga practice releases tension and stress, strengthens the body, encourages hormone production and increases blood flow. Specific poses, such as the lotus pose, child’s pose, reclining hero and seated forward bend can specifically help boost fertility by targeting specific parts of the body or calming the body and mind.

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Natural treatment options and medical treatment options are detailed in this video.